**Amani Foster: A Triumph Over Adversity with Good Life Youth Foundation’s “One MIC” Program**
Meet Amani Foster, a recent graduate from Henninger High School, whose journey to success was marked by hurdles both at home and in school. Despite facing doubts and not being on track for graduation, Amani’s life took a remarkable turn with the unwavering support of the Good Life Youth Foundation’s “One MIC” program. As she candidly shares her experience, Amani reflects on the challenges she overcame, the life coaches who became her guiding lights, and the profound impact that Good Life has had on her life. With a newfound sense of purpose and determination, Amani sets her sights on higher education, ready to pursue her dreams and make a difference in the lives of others through criminal justice. Join us as we delve into Amani’s inspiring journey of triumph and transformation with Good Life by her side every step of the way.
**Interviewer:** All right, so one more time, tell me about who you are.
**Amani:** I’m Amani Foster, and I’m a graduate of Henninger High School.
**Interviewer:** Alright, Amani, I want to ask you some questions, and I want you to be real and transparent. As amazing and powerful as you are, there were some people who doubted you, and you were not on track to graduate, right? So what changed, what shifted for you?
**Amani:** I just felt like, over the years, I got brighter, like, I knew that I wanted more for myself. I actually had people in my corner that believed in me. So that pushed me to be more. And it just made me stronger. Like, I feel like people that doubted me, motivated me to be where I’m at right now.
**Interviewer:** So you were facing some hurdles? Can you share some of the hurdles that you were facing in school?
**Amani:** Yep. So first of all, I was not on track for graduating, like, I don’t know where I would be right now. But Good Life helped me like, seriously, they definitely helped me. I was fighting, I was always arguing, I was like, I was just a mess. And then Good Life came into my life, I explained my story, and they took me in, they gave me a place to stay. They helped me be better in school, they gave me discipline, structure, guidance, and I just appreciate them for that.
**Interviewer:** I appreciate you giving credit to Good Life, but I don’t want to take that credit away from the life coaches, Mike and Nene. They were the ones who really made a difference. They took you in, they saw something in you that you didn’t see in yourself. So let’s give them the shout-out they deserve.
**Amani:** Absolutely, shout out to Mike and Nene, who are actually my parents now. They adopted me, they took me in, they were my life coaches at Henninger, and when I shared my story with them, they wanted to give me love, guidance, and structure. They saw potential in me and pushed me to be better. I really appreciate my mom and dad for that. They pushed me in ways I can’t even explain.
**Interviewer:** That’s amazing, and we all supported them in that process because they fit the mission and values of Good Life. So what’s the one thing you love the most about being in Good Life?
**Amani:** The one thing I love the most is how everybody is like a family. It’s not just a program to me; it feels like I’m here with my aunts and uncles.
**Interviewer:** That’s beautiful. So what’s next on the horizon for you?
**Amani:** I’m going to Herkimer College for criminal justice. Before Good Life, I wasn’t thinking about college at all. But once I got into Good Life, I saw a brighter future for myself. It opened doors and made me realize I can really go to college and excel.
**Interviewer:** That’s fantastic, and we’ll be there to support you through that journey. Why do you want to do criminal justice?
**Amani:** I want to work with juvenile kids. We need more people who care about kids and understand what they’re going through. I’ve been through hardships and hard times, and I know how important it is to have people who understand and support you.
**Interviewer:** Is there anything that you would change about Good Life?
**Amani:** Oh, no. Nothing at all. It’s great, and we can only improve on it.
**Interviewer:** Alright, well, thank you. And now, let’s talk about hip hop. Who’s your favorite rapper?
**Amani:** My favorite rapper is G Herbo. He’s a storyteller, and I love how he talks about his life and experiences. Meek Mill is also one of my favorites; they both speak to me on a personal level.
**Interviewer:** That’s awesome. Well, thank you, Amani, for sharing your incredible journey with us. Your resilience and determination are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see you thrive in college and beyond, making a positive impact on others with your passion for criminal justice. Good luck on your journey!